jat1 m4 hai6一唔係一唔系
Jyutpingjat1 m4 hai6
Yaleyāt m̀h haih
Definition
Otherwise; or else.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Functions as a conditional conjunction that introduces an alternative or a consequence. It is frequently used to present a threat or a warning about what will happen if a specific action is not taken. When used in a pair, it creates an either-or structure that emphasizes a choice between two distinct possibilities.
Examples
You better leave quickly, otherwise you will be late.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 或者, which is used for neutral suggestions. 一唔係 carries a stronger sense of urgency or a binary choice where one option is often undesirable.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
